I like Allan Houston I really do, but the man is hard pressed for a three rebound assist night, and rarely ever does his box score look like Craws, but we still need his steady influence.

Things to take away from the game:

1. Naz under non circumstances can be a starting center in this league. He is not the key to any deal, nor should he be playing up front. Baker is a much better alternative especially establishing a post game.

2. The Knicks need to emphasize weight training and make it mandatory that Crawford puts on 10 pounds, and Ariza needs close to 20.

3. This team is fun to watch, but they are going to have a tough time finding cohesion. Crawford is very exciting, but he plays a little wild and his shot selection needs a lot of work...

4. Ariza in time is going to be a very good player, which means that when the time comes TT should not be resigned he is too expensive and upside stops after 7 years in the NBA.

5. In two years Sweetney will lead the NBA in rebounds.

6. Stop hating on Kurt Thomas he is a good player, who plays hard shoots the open jumper, and brings leadership and toughness. Without veterans we are the Chicago Bulls

7. It was the NETS.

It was the first exhibition game, and teams need time together, but does anyone feel that Marbury and Crawford can play in the same backcourt. Realistically in the long run it has Team USA backcourt written all over it...They styles are very similiar and sooner or later someone always starts trouble

"The Knicks need to emphasize weight training and make it mandatory that Crawford puts on 10 pounds, and Ariza needs close to 20."

Why? This is basketball... Yes, there are some great players that do things because of their strength, and there are others that do things because they are fast and quick.

What impressed me about Crawford wasnt the 7 rebounds, it was his ability to turn every one into a fast break.

Tayshaun Prince is as skinny as they come, but he effects the game w/his length & athleticism.

Prince hasn't been able to put on weight from High School, no matter how hard he works out nothing happens. Rip is a good example I agree, but to often players just rely to much on their natural ability, and that doesn't get them where it should and makes the difference between great players and athletes...

Ariza has a pass he is very young, but by 22 he should be transformed, Kobe did it, McGrady, Marbury, Baron Davis, all the top guards/athletes do it. And the ones that don't never become complete players...maybe saying weight throws everyone off, put the jerseys are practically falling off these kids

Posted by MS:

Prince hasn't been able to put on weight from High School, no matter how hard he works out nothing happens. Rip is a good example I agree, but to often players just rely to much on their natural ability, and that doesn't get them where it should and makes the difference between great players and athletes...

I disagree with your statement slightly. Yes it is important to not only rely on your natural ability but that doesn't mean the only thing he has to do is get bigger. The position he plays allows Crawford the luxury of not needing to put on weight. Just like Iverson, I think Craw with his game, his height and his speed does not need to get bigger.

Ariza has a pass he is very young, but by 22 he should be transformed, Kobe did it, McGrady, Marbury, Baron Davis, all the top guards/athletes do it. And the ones that don't never become complete players...maybe saying weight throws everyone off, put the jerseys are practically falling off these kids

Yea. Ariza needs build more muscle. The type of game he plays, he will be extremely injury prone if he stays that thin.

Most of the guys you will mention that are light, are jump shooters that have to rely on quickness to get open shots, the millers the hamiltons of the world, but Craw is not a jump shooter, he is a pull up and try to beat you off the dribble guard, and those players need muscle on their bodies because they get hit a great deal.

Last time i checked there isn't a big man out there that wears the orange and blue. There is a reason Kobe is up to 230, and added more muscle in the offseason....

Wrong Jordan, could get by on his superior athleticism for only so long..Jordans playing weight was 210 for his championship runs. If you remember Jordan began working out because of teams like Detriot. They were being very physical with him and it was taking its tole...so he added muscle in order to absorb the beating

Posted by EnySpree:

It all depends on the player. No one needs to do anything. All they need to do is stay in shape.

Yep. The most important thing is getting Stronger, not getting bigger. @ completely different things.